Hinge assembly for receptacles and the like

ABSTRACT

A hinge assembly including link means, preferably a pair of spaced-apart links, pviotally connected adjacent one end thereof to a cover member and movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to connecting means fixed within a receptacle. The hinge assembly is concealed from view when the cover member is supported by the receptacle in a position closing an opening in the receptacle, the cover member preferably fitting relatively closely within the receptacle opening. The pair of links can comprise a pair of bell crank members, each connected adjacent one end to the cover member and adjacent the other end to connecting means in the receptacle. Alternatively, a single wire member formed to include two link defining leg members extending from a main body portion is pivotally connected to the cover member by a member engaging the main body portion. The leg members are movably connected to brackets fixed within the receptacle.

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,

Beil Nov. 19, 1974 1 HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR RECEPTACLES 3,591,073 7/1971 Dennis 220/205 1 AND THE LIKE FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [75] Inventor: Valenti" Beil, Ede", 1,302,576 7/1962 France 220/34 [73] Assignee: McDonald Products Corporation,

Buffalo, NY. Primary ExaminerWilliam I. Price Assistant Examiner-Allan N. Shoap [22] Filed" 1972 Attorney, Agent, or FirmChriste1 & Bean 21 Appl. No.2 226,816

5 2 9 [5 7] ABSTRACT 1.,.m,...,,,,...,220725 /231,- i l 1 U s C 220/20 5 220/333 3 R A huge assembly mcludmg lmk means, preferably a [51] Int Cl 365d 43/16 A24b 19/04 pair of spaced-apart links, pviotally connected adja- Fieid 220/20 3 32 34 cent one end thereof to a cover member and movably 131/231 2 16/1 1 1 connected adjacent the other end thereof to connect- 6 E 46 i ing means fixed within a receptacle. The hinge assembly is concealed from view when the covermember is [56] References Cited supported by the receptacle in a position closing an opening in the receptacle, the cover member prefera- UNITED STATES PATENTS bly fitting relatively closely within the receptacle 572,217 12/1896 Rebmann 220/31 opening, The pair of links can comprise a pair of bell Smlth t t crank members each Connected adjacent one end to T ggg the cover member and adjacent the other end to con- 1 065412 6/1913 weissy 16/163 nectmg means 1n the receptacle. A1ternat1ve1y, a smgle 5 8/1921 Schan; "56 PP wire member formed to include two link defining leg 1:66l:185 3/1928 Lindse jijjiijij 220/63 R members extending fmm a main is Pivot 1,s93,747 1 1933 Kennedy 206/16 E Connected to the Cover member y a member 1,946,811 2/1934 Russakov 220/31 R gaging the main body portion. The leg members are 1,950,465 3/1934 Whitcock 16/192 movably connected to brackets fixed within the recep- 2,245,487 6/1941 Machin 217/57 [a1e 2,689,370 9/1954 Stone 16/163 3,402,848 9/1968 Busey 220/63 R Claims, 15 Drawing Figures 4 73A 3 5? 53 7 73 fleck 1---- II 726 4474; r T i f :1 f: f:f' 4745 1 a 7/ I 1 I 9/ 1 I i 60 I 33 PAH-INTEL, xsv 1 91974 SHEU 1 0F 3 HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR RECEPTACLES AND THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the hinge art, and more particularly to a normally concealed hinge assembly for movably connecting a cover member in the opening of a receptacle.

One particularly advantageous use of the hinge assembly of the present invention is in cigar and cigarette ash receptacles placed in public areas. Such receptacles often are mounted at one end or side to a wall but in some instances may be supported by a base member placed on the floor. The receptacle cover member should be quickly and easily movable from a position closing the receptacle opening to an open position to enable maintenance workers to remove ashes from the receptacle in an efficient manner. The cover member, being designed to provide a pleasing appearance, is relatively expensive, and one proposed solution to the problem of preventing pilferage of the cover member while enabling quick and easy removal of the receptacle contents is to hinge the cover to the receptacle.

The hinge assembly desirably should be concealed from view when the cover is closed to enhance the appearance of the receptacle while in use. Also to provide a pleasing appearance, the cover member should have a peripheral configuration conforming to the shape of the receptacle opening, and should fit relatively closely within the receptacle opening when closing the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a new and improved hinge assembly for movably connecting a cover member in a close fitting relationship within the opening of a receptacle.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a hinge which is concealed from view when the cover member closes the receptacle opening.

It is a more particular object of this invention to provide a hinge assembly for movably connecting an ash receptacle cover member relatively closely within a receptacle opening having a shape conforming to the peripheral configuration of the cover member, which hinge assembly is concealed from view when the cover member is in a position closing the receptacle opening.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a hinge assembly for such ash receptacles which will prevent theft of the cover member but which will allow easy access to the receptacle interior for cleaning thereof.

The present invention provides a hinge assembly including link means pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof to a cover member and movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to connecting means fixed within a receptacle. The hinge assembly is concealed from view when the cover member is in a position closing an opening in the receptacle. The pivotal connection of the link means to the cover member is movable relative to the receptacle as the cover member is moved to a position opening the receptacle. The hinge assembly preferably comprises a pair of spaced apart links in the form of a pair of hell crank members or in the form of a single wire member bent or formed to include two link defining leg members extending from a main body portion.

While the present invention can be used advantageously in cigar and cigarette ash receptacles of the foregoing type found in public buildings and is described in conjunction therewith, it should be understood that this is merely illustrative of the many other applications in which the hinge assembly of this invention can be employed.

These and other advantages and characterizing features of the present invention will be more clearly apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an ash receptacle having a hinge assembly according to the present invention as it would appear in use;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view, partly fragmentary, illustrating a preferred arrangement for mounting the ash receptacle of FIG. 1 to a wall;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the ash receptacle of FIG. 1 taken on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken about on line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken about on line 55 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view, party in section, taken about on line 66 in FIG. 5 and showing the receptacle cover member in a fully open position;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, taken about on line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, taken about on line 8-8 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner of assembling the arrangement shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an ash receptacle including a hinge assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view with parts removed taken about on line 11-11 in FIG. 10; 1

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, taken about on line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, taken about on line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, taken about on line 14-14 in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the arrangement shown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-9 show one type of ash receptacle 10 commonly found in public buildings and the like and provided with one embodiment of a hinge assembly 11 contemplated by this invention. Receptacle 10 is in'the form of a hollow rectangular box open at the top thereof and having an inner surface 12 which meets an outer, planar edge surface 13 at the periphery of the receptacle opening. Receptacle 10 is connected to a wall 15 by suitable fastening means, for example a hollow spacer member 16 shown in FIG. 2 placed between wall 15 and receptacle 10 together with a screw 17 extending through an aperture provided in the wall or side of receptacle 10, being retained by washer 18, and extending through spacer 16 and threadably connected in wall 15. A pair of identical fastening means each comprising spacer 16, screw 17 and washer 18 are provided in spaced relation along a side of a wall of receptacle 10, with spacer 16 preferably being rectangular or square in configuration to enhance the appearance thereof.

Receptacle can be formed from a single sheet of metal such as stainless steel by providing four V-shaped notches spaced along one edge of the sheet at locations corresponding to the four right angle bends or corners in the completed receptacle 10. The sheet is bent at the notches to form the comers, the ends are brought together as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1, and the edge having the notches is turned inwardly around the lower periphery of receptacle 10 to provide a flange 20 as shown in FIG. 3. A linear member serves to hold together the ends of the sheet forming receptacle 10 as well as to provide a bottom for receptacle 10.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the liner for the interior of receptacle 10 includes a bottom portion having a shape and area to fit generally closely within the bottom of receptacle 10 and in contact with flange 20. The liner further comprises a pair of spaced-apart walls 27, 28 extending from bottom 25 each at substantially a right angle thereto. The liner walls 27, 28 extend along the corresponding inner surfaces of the longer sides or walls of the rectangular receptacle 10. The liner bottom 25 is spot welded to flange 20 and walls 27, 28 are spotwelded to the corresponding surfaces of rectangular box 10. As a result, the sheet of metal forming the receptacle is maintained in the desired formation by the liner member, and the liner walls 27, 28 provide a backing for the square cut-outs or openings indicated at 29 in FIG. 1 for receiving ends of corresponding spacers 16.

Bucket 33 is hollow rectangular in shape and of a size permitting it to fit within receptacle 10 and allow convenient removal and replacement thereof. In particular, the bottom of bucket 33 is of an area smaller than the area of the bottom of receptacle 10 provided by liner portion 25. The relatively longer side walls of bucket 33 are shorter than the length of receptacle l0, and the bucket end walls each are of a length shorter than the distance between the ends of flanges 30, 31 of the receptacle liner. The walls of bucket 33 are of a height less than the distance between flanges 30, 31 and liner portion 25. Bucket 33 is provided with a pair of tabs 35a, 35b extending inwardly from opposite end walls thereof to facilitate grasping of bucket 33 by hand when it is to be removed from and repositioned in receptacle 10.

The ash receptacle 10 is completed by a cover member having a peripheral configuration conforming to the shape of the receptacle opening and adapted to rest in a position supported by receptacle 10 and fitting relatively closely within the opening to close the same. In particular, cover member 40 comprises a generally rectangular frame member having corresponding pairs of side and end members, and cover 40 can be in the form of a one-piece casting. Cover member 40 has a planar outer surface 42 which, when cover member 40 rests in a position closing the receptacle opening, is substantially flush with the receptacle edge surface 13. Cover member 40 also has a peripheral surface 44 which meets the planar outer surface 42 and which is disposed substantially parallel to the surface 12 of the receptacle opening. In particular, peripheral surface portion 44a is substantially parallel to receptacle surface portion 12a and portion 44b substantially parallel to surface portion 12b. In addition, peripheral surface portions 44a, 44b meet outer surface 42 at right angles. The same is true for the remaining portions of the corresponding rectangular surfaces. In addition, cover member 40 is of a size such that the peripheral surface 44 thereof is positioned relatively close to the inner surface 12 of receptacle 10 when cover 40 rests in a position closing the opening of receptacle 10. Corresponding bottom portions of cover member 40, spaced below outer surface portion 42, rest on flanges 30, 31 of the liner member whereby cover member 40 is supported by receptacle 10 in a position closing the receptacle opening as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Cover member 40 is provided with blades 48, 49 which are movable in response to depression of a finger-activated button 50 in a manner understood in the art. Blade 48 is provided with extensions 52, 53 on opposite ends thereof which fit in cylindrical bearing members 54 and 55, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 which, in turn, are rotatably received in corresponding openings provided in opposite end portions of frame member 40. In a similar manner, blade 49 is provided with oppositely directed extensions 56, 57 fitted in cylindrical bearings 58 and 59, respectively, which in turn are rotatably received in corresponding openings provided in opposite end portions of frame 40. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 the openings can be partially rectangular, extending from the edge at each end of cover 40 and terminating in a semi-circular end, the openings being closed by a plate member 51 mounted on each end of cover member 40 which plate 51 serves to support the corresponding blade extensions and bearing members.

Cover member 40 is connected to receptacle 10 by hinge means 11 of the present invention located within receptacle 10 so as to be concealed from view when cover member 40 closes or covers the opening in receptacle 10. The hinge assembly 11 of the present invention comprises link means pivotally connected at one end thereof to cover member 40 in the form of first and second links each comprising bell cranks 60 and 61, respectively. Bell crank 60 has a main body portion 62 and a relatively smaller or leg portion 63 extending from body portion 62 at substantially a right angle. Leg portion 63 of bell crank 60 is pivotally connected to cover member 40 by means of a pin 64. Bell crank 61 has a size and shape identical to that of bell crank 60 and includes a main body portion 68. and a relatively smaller or leg portion 69 extending from body portion 68 at substantially a right angle. Leg portion 69 is pivotally connected to cover member 40 by means of a pin 70. Bell cranks 60 and 61 are spaced apart at adjacent corners of frame 40 and along the same end portion of frame 40, and pins 64 and 70 are disposed along a common axis whereby the pivotal connection of bell cranks 60 and 61 to frame member 40 is along the same axis.

Each of the bell cranks 60 and 61 is movably connected at the other end thereof, i.e., the end of the corresponding main body portion opposite that of the leg portion, to connecting means fixed within receptacle 10. In particular, the ends of main body portions 62 and 68 of bell cranks 60 and 61, respectively, are pivotally connected to members 72 and 73, respectively, each of which is suitably secured to a corresponding wall of the receptacle liner. In particular, connector member 72 comprises a cylindrical tee nut extending through an aperture provided in main portion 62 of bell crank 60 and fixed or secured to liner wall 27, and a screw threads into the tee nut to hold link portion 62 thereon. The movable connection of bell crank 60 is located within receptacle 10, away from the opening, and is spaced in an orthogonal and inwardly offset direction from the pivotal connection of bell crank 60 to cover 40. Similarly, bell crank 61 is provided with an aperture for receiving connector member 73 comprising a cylindrical tee nut secured in liner wall portion 28 and a screw threaded into the tee nut, the movable connection of bell crank 61 being located within receptacle 10, away from the opening, and spaced in an orthogonal and inwardly offset direction from the pivotal connection of bell crank 61 to cover 40. In other words, each of the bell cranks 60, 61 is pivotally connected by a corresponding one of the connector members 72, 73 at a point which along with the pivotal connection of the corresponding bell crank to cover 40 defines a line extending at an acute angle relative to the plane of cover 40 when the latter closed the receptacle opening.

Cover member 40 is shown in FIGS. 1-5 in a position closing the opening in receptacle whereby it is supported by the receptacle, in particular resting on the flanges 30, 31 of the receptacle liner. In this position top surface 42 of cover member 40 is substantially flush with receptacle edge surface 13. The receptacle is used in a well known manner simply by depressing button 50 to open blades 48, 49 permitting ashes to drop and be received by bucket 33. When it is desired to remove bucket 33 to empty the contents thereof, cover member 40 is lifted upwardly, simply by grasping button 50 and pulling upwardly, and pivoted about the common axes of pins 64 and 70 through an angle of about 90. As cover member 40 is lifted through this angle, the edge defined by the juncture of peripheral surface portion 44a and top surface portion 42 moves along or cams along surface portion 12a of the receptacle opening. Simultaneously, the pivot axis provided by the common axes of pins 64 and 70 moves first away from and then toward surface 12a of the receptacle opening as'cover member 40 is lifted. By virtue of this arrangement, it is possible for cover member 40 to have a peripheral configuration conforming to the shape of the receptacle opening and to fit relatively closely within the receptacle opening when closing the same.

The pivotal connection of cover member 40 to receptacle 10 provided by hinge assembly 11 of the present invention prevents theft of cover member 40 while permitting convenient access to the interior of receptacle 10 for cleaning of the same and emptying of bucket 33. The hinge assembly is concealed from view when the cover member is in position closing the receptacle opening thereby enhancing the appearance of the receptacle when in use. In addition, the hinge assembly of the present invention allows cover member 40 to fit relatively closely within the opening in receptacle 10 with the top surface of cover member 40 being substantially flush with the top edge surface surrounding the receptacle opening when the cover member is in position closing the opening. The provision of the receptacle liner advantageously simplifies the fabrication of receptacle 10 by providing the bottom thereof, and the liner provides a connection between the hinge assembly and the receptacle and serves to support the cover member in a position closing the receptacle opening.

FIGS. 10-15 show a receptacle 10, similar in construction to receptacle l0, and provided with a hinge assembly 11' according to another embodiment of this invention. The component parts of receptacle 10 which are identical in construction to corresponding component parts of receptacle 10 are identified in FIGS. 10-15 by identical numbers having the prime designation. Thus, the hollow rectangular receptacle 10' is provided with a liner and contains a removable bucket 33', also hollow rectangular in shape, and a cover member 40' carrying movable blades 48, 49' fits closely within the receptacle opening so as to close the same. In use, receptacle 10' can be mounted on a wall or supported from the floor by suitable means similar to that described in connection with receptacle 10 in FIGS. l-9. COver member 40' is connected to receptacle 10 by hinge means 11 located within receptacle 10 so as to be concealed from view when cover member 40 closes or covers the opening in receptacle 10. The hinge assembly 11' of this embodiment of the present invention comprises link means pivotally connected at one end thereof to cover member 40' and movably connected at the other end thereof to connecting means within receptacle 10. In particular, hinge assembly 11 comprises a wire member having a main portion 81 and formed to include first and second leg portions 82 and 83 extending from body portion 81 each at substantially a right angle to body portion 81 and in spaced parallel relation to each other. Leg portions 82, 83 are of the same length and terminate in oppositely directed arm portions 84, 85 each extending at substantially a right angle to the corresponding leg portions 82 and 83, respectively. Leg portions 82, 83 and arms 84, 85 all lie in substantially the same plane whereby arms 84, 85 are disposed generally along a common axis.

The hinge assembly 11 of this embodiment of the present invention further comprises a retainer member 88 formed to include a planar flange portion 90 and a trough portion 92 which is substantially C-shaped in cross section. Flange portion 90 of retainer member 88 is secured to the underside of cover member 40 along one end thereof, for example by means of screws, as shown in FIG. 12. Retainer member 88 is assembled in position so that trough portion 92 faces cover member 40' with the edges of the trough abutting the surface of cover member 40' and with main body portion 81 of wire member 80 being placed in trough 92 of retainer member 88 so as to be pivotally or rotatably supported and retained thereby. As a result, leg portions 82, 83 depend from main body portion 81 to comprise first and second links of the hinge assembly 11'.

The hinge assembly of this embodiment of the present invention further comprises connecting means in the form of a pair of L-shaped bracket members 95, 96' which are fixed within receptacle 10'. In particular, the relatively longer leg portions of brackets 95, 96 are welded to opposite leg portions of receptacle liner 25 in a manner such that the relatively shorter leg portions 97 and 98 of brackets and 96, respectively, extend inwardly toward the center of receptacle 10. Each of the leg portions 97, 98 is provided with an opening for receiving a corresponding leg and arm portion of wire member 80. As a result, leg portions 82 and 83 are movably connected to brackets 95 and 96 respectively, the extent of movement being limited by engagement of arm portions 84 and 85 with the undersurface of the corresponding one of the inwardly extending bracket leg portions 97 and 98.

Cover member 40 is shown in FIGS. and 11 in a position closing the opening in receptacle 10' whereby it is supported by the receptacle, in particular resting on the flange 30, 31 of the receptacle liner. In this position top surface portion 42 of cover member 40' is substantially flush with receptacle edge surface 13. The receptacle is used in a well known manner simply by depressing button 50' to open blades 48,, 49' permitting ashes to drop and be received by bucket 33. When it is desired to remove bucket 33 to empty the contents thereof, cover member 40' is lifted upwardly, simply by grasping button 50 and pulling upwardly, and pivoted about the axis of main body portion 81 of member 80 to an angle of about 90. As cover member 40 is lifted through this angle, the edge defined by the juncture of peripheral surface portion 44a and top surface portion 42' moves along or cams along the surface portion 12a of the receptacle opening. Simultaneously, the pivot axis of main body portion 81 of member 80 moves first away from and then toward surface l2a of the receptacle opening as cover member 40 is lifted. By virtue of this arrangement, it is possible for cover member 40' to have a peripheral configuration conforming to the shape of the receptacle opening and to fit relatively closely within the receptacle opening when closing the same.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the liner member serves to hold together the sheet of metal forming receptacle 10' as well as to provide a bottom for receptacle 10. In this embodiment, blades 48", 49 are formed with integral extensions, there being one extension at each end of both blades, which extensions are formed so as to be cylindrical in cross section to be re ceived in apertures or bores provided in corresponding ends of cover member 40. For example, FIGS. 14 and 15 show extensions 80 and 81 of blades 48 and 49', respectively, which extensions are rotatably received in bores provided in the corresponding end portion of cover member 40.

I-Iinge assembly 11 of this embodiment of the present invention likewise prevents theft of cover member 40, permits convenient access to the interior of receptacle l0 and bucket 33', is concealed from view when cover member 40' closes the receptacle opening, and allows cover member 40 to fit relatively closely within the receptacle opening with the top surface of cover member 40 being substantially flush with the top edge surface surrounding the receptacle opening. The provision of the receptacle liner also advantageously simplifies the fabrication of receptacle 10' by providing the bottom thereof, and the liner serves to support the cover member in a position closing the receptacle opening.

It is therefore apparent that the present invention accomplishes its intended objects. While certain embodiments of the invention have been described with specificity, this is intended by way of illustration, not limitation.

I claim:

1. In an ash receptacle having an opening and including a cover member having a peripheral configuration generally conforming to the shape of said opening and being supported by said receptacle within said opening in a position closing said opening, hinge means connecting said cover member to said receptacle and located within said receptacle so as to be concealed from view when said cover member closes said receptacle opening, said hinge means comprising:

a. link means pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof to said cover member;

b. connecting means fixed within said receptacle;

c. said link means being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means, the connection of said link means to said connecting means being spaced from the connection of said link means to said cover member in a direction within said receptacle and away from said opening;

(1. the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member moving first away from and then toward a surface of said receptacle adjacent the connection as said cover member is pivoted about the connection to said link means through an angle of about ninety degrees so as to be moved to a position opening said receptacle;

e. said receptacle having an inner surface portion adjacent said opening and said cover member having an outer surface portion and a peripheral surface meeting in an edge, said cover peripheral surface portion being disposed substantially parallel to and being positioned relatively close to said inner surface portion of said receptacle, said cover member edge moving along said inner surface portion of said receptacle in a direction away from said opening when said cover member is moved to an open position; and

the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member being located inwardly of the plane of said receptacle opening when said cover member closes said opening and remaining substantially inwardly of the plane of said receptacle opening when said cover member is moved to an open position.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cover member fits relatively closely within said recep tacle opening.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable connection of said link is spaced from said cover member within said receptacle.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said link means comprises first and second links, each of said links being pivotally connected at one end thereof to said cover member, the pivotal connections being spaced along a common axis, and each of said links being movably connected at the other end thereof to said connecting means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said links comprises a bell crank member having a main body portion, a leg portion extending from one end of said main body portion and pivotally connected to said cover member, said main body portion being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, including a wire member having a main body portion, first and second leg portions extending from said body portion, first and second leg portions extending from said body portion in spaced parallel relation to each other thereby defining said pair of links, and oppositely directed arm portions extending from said leg portions for engaging said connecting means, and further including retainer means secured to said cover member for pivotally connecting said main body portion of said wire member to said cover member.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of bracket members secured within said receptacle in spaced apart relation, each of said members having a portion provided with an opening for movably receiving a corresponding leg portion of said wire member, the extent of movement being limited by engagement between the corresponding arm portion and said bracket portion.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said retainer member comprises a planar flange portion secured to said cover member and a trough portion having a substantially C-shaped cross section for pivotally supporting said main body portion of said wire member.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of said receptacle opening and the shape of the peripheral configuration of said cover member each is rectangular.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle opening defines an outer edge having a planar surface and wherein said cover member has a planar outer surface which is substantially flush with said edge surface when said cover member closes said opening.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said link means is pivotally connected at said other end to said connecting means, the two pivotal connections of said link means being spaced along a line extending from said cover at an angle of less than ninety degrees when said cover is in the position closing said opening.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said link means comprises bell crank means having a main body portion, a leg portion extending from one end of said main body portion and pivotally connected to said cover member, said main body portion being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means.

13. In an ash receptacle having an opening and including a cover member having a peripheral configuration generally conforming to the shape of said opening and being supported by said receptacle within said opening in a position closing said opening, hinge means connecting said cover member to said receptacle and located within said receptacle so as to be concealed from view when said cover member closes said receptacle opening, said hinge means comprising:

a. link means pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof to said cover member;

b. connecting means fixed within said receptacle;

c. said link means being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means, the connection of said link means to said connecting means being spaced from the connection of said link means to said cover member in a direction away from the plane of said opening;

d. whereby the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member is movable relative to said receptacle as said cover member is pivoted about the connection to said link means so as to be moved to a position opening said receptacle; and

e. said receptacle including a liner member having a portion providing a bottom for said receptacle, a pair of spaced-apart wall portions extending from said bottom portion each at substantially a right angle thereto and secured to corresponding side walls of said receptacle, and a pair of substantially coplanar flanges extending inwardly from corresponding liner wall portions for supporting said cover member in a position closing said receptacle opening.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said connecting means is secured to at least one of said liner wall portions.

15. In an ash receptacle having an opening and including a cover member having a peripheral configuration generally conforming to the shape of said opening and being supported by said receptacle within said opening in a position closing said opening:

a. hinge means connecting said cover member to said receptacle so as to be concealed from view when said cover member closes said receptacle opening, said hinge means comprising link means pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof to said cover member, connecting means fixed within said receptacle, and said link means being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means, whereby the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member is movable relative to said receptacle as said cover member is moved to a position opening said receptacle; and

b. a liner having a portion providing a bottom for said receptacle, a pair of spaced-apart wall portions extending from said bottom portion each at substantially a right angle thereto and secured to corresponding side walls of said receptacle, and a pair of substantially coplanar flanges extending inwardly from corresponding liner wall portions for supporting said cover member in a position closing saldreceptacle opening. 

1. In an ash receptacle having an opening and including a cover member having a peripheral configuration generally conforming to the shape of said opening and being supported by said receptacle within said opening in a position closing said opening, hinge means connecting said cover member to said receptacle and located within said receptacle so as to be concealed from view when said cover member closes said receptacle opening, said hinge means comprising: a. link means pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof to said cover member; b. connecting means fixed within said receptacle; c. said link means being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means, the connection of said link means to said connecting means being spaced from the connection of said link means to said cover member in a direction within said receptacle and away from said opening; d. the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member moving first away from and then toward a surface of said receptacle adjacent the connection as said cover member is pivoted about the connection to said link means through an angle of about ninety degrees so as to be moved to a position opening said receptacle; e. said receptacle having an inner surface portion adjacent said opening and said cover member having an outer surface portion and a peripheral surface meeting in an edge, said cover peripheral surface portion being disposed substantially parallel to and being positioned relatively close to said inner surface portion of said receptacle, said cover member edge moving along said inner surface portion of said receptacle in a direction away from said opening when said cover member is moved to an open position; and f. the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member being located inwardly of the plane of said receptacle opening when said cover member closes said opening and remaining substantially inwardly of the plane of said receptacle opening when said cover member is moved to an open position.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cover member fits relatively closely within said receptacle opening.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable connection of said link is spaced from said cover member within sAid receptacle.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said link means comprises first and second links, each of said links being pivotally connected at one end thereof to said cover member, the pivotal connections being spaced along a common axis, and each of said links being movably connected at the other end thereof to said connecting means.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said links comprises a bell crank member having a main body portion, a leg portion extending from one end of said main body portion and pivotally connected to said cover member, said main body portion being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 4, including a wire member having a main body portion, first and second leg portions extending from said body portion, first and second leg portions extending from said body portion in spaced parallel relation to each other thereby defining said pair of links, and oppositely directed arm portions extending from said leg portions for engaging said connecting means, and further including retainer means secured to said cover member for pivotally connecting said main body portion of said wire member to said cover member.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of bracket members secured within said receptacle in spaced apart relation, each of said members having a portion provided with an opening for movably receiving a corresponding leg portion of said wire member, the extent of movement being limited by engagement between the corresponding arm portion and said bracket portion.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said retainer member comprises a planar flange portion secured to said cover member and a trough portion having a substantially C-shaped cross section for pivotally supporting said main body portion of said wire member.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of said receptacle opening and the shape of the peripheral configuration of said cover member each is rectangular.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle opening defines an outer edge having a planar surface and wherein said cover member has a planar outer surface which is substantially flush with said edge surface when said cover member closes said opening.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said link means is pivotally connected at said other end to said connecting means, the two pivotal connections of said link means being spaced along a line extending from said cover at an angle of less than ninety degrees when said cover is in the position closing said opening.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said link means comprises bell crank means having a main body portion, a leg portion extending from one end of said main body portion and pivotally connected to said cover member, said main body portion being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means.
 13. In an ash receptacle having an opening and including a cover member having a peripheral configuration generally conforming to the shape of said opening and being supported by said receptacle within said opening in a position closing said opening, hinge means connecting said cover member to said receptacle and located within said receptacle so as to be concealed from view when said cover member closes said receptacle opening, said hinge means comprising: a. link means pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof to said cover member; b. connecting means fixed within said receptacle; c. said link means being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means, the connection of said link means to said connecting means being spaced from the connection of said link means to said cover member in a direction away from the plane of said opening; d. whereby the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member is movable relative to said receptacle as sAid cover member is pivoted about the connection to said link means so as to be moved to a position opening said receptacle; and e. said receptacle including a liner member having a portion providing a bottom for said receptacle, a pair of spaced-apart wall portions extending from said bottom portion each at substantially a right angle thereto and secured to corresponding side walls of said receptacle, and a pair of substantially coplanar flanges extending inwardly from corresponding liner wall portions for supporting said cover member in a position closing said receptacle opening.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said connecting means is secured to at least one of said liner wall portions.
 15. In an ash receptacle having an opening and including a cover member having a peripheral configuration generally conforming to the shape of said opening and being supported by said receptacle within said opening in a position closing said opening: a. hinge means connecting said cover member to said receptacle so as to be concealed from view when said cover member closes said receptacle opening, said hinge means comprising link means pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof to said cover member, connecting means fixed within said receptacle, and said link means being movably connected adjacent the other end thereof to said connecting means, whereby the pivotal connection of said link means to said cover member is movable relative to said receptacle as said cover member is moved to a position opening said receptacle; and b. a liner having a portion providing a bottom for said receptacle, a pair of spaced-apart wall portions extending from said bottom portion each at substantially a right angle thereto and secured to corresponding side walls of said receptacle, and a pair of substantially coplanar flanges extending inwardly from corresponding liner wall portions for supporting said cover member in a position closing said receptacle opening. 